Expecting the bans handed to Pakistan's tainted trio by ICC's tribunal on Saturday, former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas reckons the shattering development came on Friday when the UK Crown Prosecution Service levelled charges on them for conspiracy to obtain and accept corrupt payments, and to cheat. The players now have 21 days to appeal against the sanctions in the Court of Arbitration of Sport, based in Switzerland. British prosecutors will also summon them on March 17.

u00a0Zaheer Abbas

"To be honest, the bans were expected. For it to drag on for so long, I am not surprised that they have been found guilty. People here (in Pakistan) are not disappointed with that, but the fact that they are being charged by British prosecutors with criminal charges. That is most disappointing. The issue is beyond just ICC and cricket," he told MiD DAY.

"I thought their careers were all but over when the issue first broke out. In the end, it is the right action taken to clean up the game. ICC must be lauded," added Abbas.

He reckons the development won't affect the national side at the World Cup: "Luckily, the team is doing well at the moment. They had already mentally prepared for the event without any of the three players. Salman Butt won't be missed, but Amir and Asif will be dearly missed. They were quality fast bowlers. "The biggest lesson to come out is that PCB should have taken ICC's advice and sent the players back to Pakistan (from England) instead of allowing Scotland Yard get involved," he said.

u00a0